Marcelle Scheyer, the spouse of Duke coach Jon Scheyer, recently took part in a touching tribute to Samantha DiMartino, a 10-year-old girl battling an inoperable brain tumour. The tribute was part of the Scheyer Family Kid Captain Program, a special initiative that honours patients and families of Duke Children’s Hospital. The heartfelt event took place during a pause in a recent NCAA college basketball game between Duke and Louisville in Durham, N.C., and deeply moved all those in attendance.
The Kid Captain Program was instituted by Marcelle Scheyer to strengthen the connection between Duke University and the esteemed hospital. Its objective is to provide a unique experience for young patients, enabling them to participate in game day activities and enjoy special moments at the basketball games. Each selected “kid captain” has the opportunity to attend the game day shootaround and even dribble around or take shots on the Duke basketball court. Furthermore, a special moment is orchestrated during a first-half media timeout to spotlight the kid captain, drawing attention to their bravery and perseverance.
These heartwarming events have had a profound impact on the children and their families. For example, 10-year-old Harper Harrell from Durham, who rang a bell to mark the end of over 800 days of chemotherapy for leukemia, was celebrated during a game and deeply moved fans to tears. Similarly, 5-year-old Row, who is blind due to a rare genetic disorder, was elated to be honoured at a game and proudly displays his autographed basketball from the day. These touching stories demonstrate the positive influence of the Kid Captain Program and how it has touched the lives of these courageous children and their families.
The driving force behind the success of this program is the care and dedication of the individuals involved. Dr. Ann M. Reed, the physician-in-chief of Duke Children’s Hospital, emphasized the significance of the program in providing uplifting experiences for children facing medical battles. This important initiative helps the children to feel seen and valued during difficult times, offering a meaningful break from their medical journey.
Samantha DiMartino, the young girl honoured at the Duke basketball game, expressed her joy at the overwhelming support she received from the crowd. She conveyed her gratitude for the way in which everyone came together to embrace and uplift her, overcoming the stigma associated with her illness. Her positive outlook and the heartwarming response from the crowd are a testament to the impact of the Kid Captain Program.
The Scheyer Family Kid Captain Program has demonstrated the powerful influence of sports in creating supportive and inclusive environments. By offering these life-affirming experiences, it has brought happiness and hope to the lives of these young patients and their families. These heartwarming initiatives remind us that there is always room for kindness and compassion, and they serve as a source of inspiration for everyone.